Art Deco-dence
Want to kick up your heels? Grab a zoot suit or flapper dress and show off your Charleston moves at the Roaring ’20s-themed New Year’s Eve party at Fat Cat, where DJs spin music from the past and present. Includes a premium drink package, appetizers, a champagne fountain and a costume contest. 9 p.m. $75-$100. 4840 N. Broadway St. 773-506-3100.
Glam-o-rama
Sure, you can watch the ball drop in Times Square from your futon. Or, you can celebrate with Golden Age glamour — including a red carpet and 1,100 balloons — at the Hooray for Hollywood! New Year’s Eve Party, which includes a five-course meal, screenings of classic films, a flute of champagne and live entertainment by the Kit Kat Divas as Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and other icons. Seatings at 7 and 9:30 p.m. $85-$95. Reservations required. Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St. 773-525-1111.
Sofa spuds
It’s not often we associate true stamina with TV watching, but you can watch disciplined sloth in action at the Sixth Annual Ultimate Couch Potato Contest. Two-time champ Jason Pisarik, who sat for 40 hours in 2007, and three other competitors watch televised sports continuously in an effort to win a $5,000 prize package and break the world record (a whopping 69 hours and 48 minutes). 10 a.m. No cover. ESPN Zone, 43 E. Ohio St. 312-644-3776.
Take the plunge
Think it’s the wrong season for bikinis and Speedos? Not true! Ring in the new year with a splash at the Ninth Annual Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Swim, where you strip down to swimsuits (no nudity or wetsuits, please) en masse, pose for commemorative photos and dash into the lake alongside other daring souls. Noon. Free. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-747-0832.
Pajama party
The holiday season is finally winding down, which means you’re ready to let someone else cook — and do the dishes. Head to New Year’s Day at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and sample holiday brunch specials along with the regular menu. Want to really relax? Wear your pajamas and get complimentary churros, a glass of OJ and a gift certificate for a future visit in the dollar amount of your meal. 10 a.m. Prices vary. 2024 N. Halsted St. 773-935-5000.
Smart start
If your 2008 resolutions include vows to exercise and help others, you’re in luck. Accomplish both at the 23rd Annual New Year’s Day 5K Fun Run and Walk along the lakefront. A post-race party at Gamekeepers Tavern & Grill (1971 N. Lincoln Ave.) includes an awards ceremony, a raffle and one beer or cocktail for runners. 11 a.m. $25-$30. Proceeds benefit the Lakeview Citizen’s Council. Lincoln Park South, 1600 N. Stockton Drive. 773-868-3010.
———–
metromix@tribune.com
